Although Alysiinae and Opiinae are relatively large groups within the family Braconidae, comprehensive phylogenetic studies have been lacking and there are outstanding questions regarding their relationships and classification. We performed molecular phylogenetic analyses based on five genetic markers (COI, COII, Cyt b, ND1, 28SD2; total 2,089 bp) from 175 taxa using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses. Our results demonstrate that Opiinae formed a well-supported clade nested within Alysiinae, rendering Alysiinae paraphyletic. The traditional tribe Alysiini was not recovered as monophyletic, whereas Dacnusini was monophyletic but showed some internal topological instability between analyses. Based on our findings, we propose a revised subtribal classification that recognises Aspilotina and establishes the new subtribe Asobarina subtrib. nov. within Alysiini. Based on molecular dating analysis, the origin of the combined clade was estimated to the Early Cretaceous (111 Ma), with major diversification during the Paleocene-Eocene transition. Our findings also support a revised subtribal classification within Alysiinae and provide new insights into the evolutionary history of these economically important parasitoids of dipteran larvae.
The northward drift of the Indian subcontinent and its biotic exchanges with adjacent landmasses have shaped biodiversity in South Asia. We investigate biogeographic patterns and evolutionary relationships within a clade of spiders endemic to South Asia, focusing on two newly identified species from India. Specimens of the jumping spider tribe Nannenini were collected from 15 localities across the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot, including Sri Lanka's diverse climatic regions and Kerala's tropical forests. DNA sequencing was conducted for the mitochondrial gene COI, nuclear ribosomal RNA fragments (18S and 28S), and nuclear H3. Phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches incorporated these data with time-calibrated molecular clocks. Bayesian Evolutionary Analysis methods were used for divergence time estimation and ancestral area reconstruction. Our analyses identified a robustly supported Nannenini clade with three distinct subclades. The tribe likely originated in the Oligocene-early Miocene, with the crown lineage inheriting a distribution established by earlier stem-lineage dispersal between Southeast and South Asia. It subsequently dispersed across both regions during the Late Oligocene and Miocene, as climatic and tectonic changes promoted lineage diversification. The Late Miocene cooling and aridification likely restricted forest-adapted species to montane refugia, particularly in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands and the montane zones of India, facilitating isolation and speciation. Montane environments acted as critical refugia during adverse climatic periods, enabling the survival and diversification of isolated populations. This research enhances understanding of Salticidae evolution and highlights the influence of the Indian subcontinent's geological history on present-day biodiversity patterns in Nannenini. Additionally, we describe a new genus and two new species: Indodelaxia Jose & Benjamin, gen. nov., I. albomaculata Jose & Benjamin, sp. nov. and I. thusharagiri Jose & Benjamin, sp. nov. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:96083E0A-861F-4A31-AAE3-94A8BB983A6E.
Understanding shallow-level relationships within the Tree of Life is essential for resolving taxonomic uncertainties and elucidating evolutionary processes. Despite significant advances in the deep-level phylogenetics of jumping spiders, many shallow-level relationships remain poorly understood, as exemplified by the widespread Southeast Asian genus Lechia Żabka, 1985. The phylogenetic placement of this genus is uncertain, compounded by the lack of a formal male description for its type species, Lechia squamata Żabka, 1985. In this study, we present the first formal description of the male of L. squamata, improving the morphological diagnosis of this genus and leading to the proposal of two new synonyms: Phintelloides manipur Caleb, 2020, syn. nov. and P. scandens Deeleman-Reinhold, Addink & Miller, 2024, syn. nov. To clarify the phylogenetic placement of Lechia, we reconstructed phylogenies using both phylogenomic (ultraconserved elements, UCE) and Sanger datasets. The UCE phylogeny provided well-supported backbone relationships, while the Sanger dataset maximized the taxonomic coverage of Lechia and related genera by integrating COI and 28S sequences extracted in silico from the UCE data with available GenBank sequences. Both phylogenetic and comparative morphological evidence strongly support the placement of Lechia within the tribe Chrysillini, closely related to the genera Phintelloides Kanesharatnam & Benjamin, 2019 and Proszynskia Kanesharatnam & Benjamin, 2019. Furthermore, our analyses validate the placement of Heliophanoides and Nandicius within Chrysillini, corroborating previous morphology-based classifications. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:187A5429-4BB2-4149-9B7B-17769475AC51.
Haminoea Turton & Kingston, 1830 is a radiation of coastal herbivorous snails inhabiting temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, with a single species occurring along the temperate Indian Ocean coast of South Africa. Previous assessments of the phylogeny and diversity of Haminoea were limited by sparse molecular sampling (3-5 genes), incomplete morpho-anatomical knowledge, and unresolved nomenclatural issues, resulting in varying estimates of species richness (14-20 species). Here, we use complete mitochondrial genomes and the nuclear ribosomal RNA complex (~17,935 bp), combined with Bayesian and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses, species delimitation (ASAP, bPTP), and detailed morpho-anatomical studies. Our aims are to delineate valid species, unravel their phylogenetic relationships and geographic ranges, and provide a robust framework for future systematics and biogeographic studies of the genus. Integrating molecular data with male reproductive anatomy supports the recognition of 15 species (five in the Eastern Atlantic, one in the Indian Ocean, seven in the Western Atlantic, and three in the Eastern Pacific) and yields fully or nearly fully supported phylogenetic hypotheses. The resulting phylogeny reveals a complex evolutionary history shaped by various past geological and climatic events including the Messinian salinity crisis and Pleistocene glacio-eustatic cycles in the Mediterranean, the uplift of the Isthmus of Panama in the Pliocene, and disruptions of the Benguela Current in southern Africa in the Pleistocene.
The oyster traditionally referred to as Booneostrea subucula (Jousseaume in Lamy, 1925) exemplifies persistent generic instability in Ostreinae, driven by misidentified type material and debated synonymies spanning multiple genera, subfamilies and even families. We reassessed the identity of Ostrea subucula and the validity of Booneostrea Harry, 1985 using an integrative approach that combined shell morphology, anatomy and multilocus phylogenetic data. Phylogenetic analyses reveal two deeply divergent, reciprocally monophyletic lineages. The Western Indian Ocean lineage corresponds to O. subucula sensu stricto and ranges from Rodrigues to Yemen and Oman. By contrast, the northern Arabian-Persian Gulf lineage represents a distinct species, here described as Ostrea sorosubucula sp. nov. Despite substantial genetic divergence, morphological differences are subtle, mainly in the adductor muscle scar. Re-examination of historical material reveals that the type concept of Booneostrea is based on misidentified or now-untraceable shells. Ostrea subucula and Ostrea setoensis Habe, 1958 are morphologically and genetically distinct, and O. subucula does not conform to the shell features historically used to define Booneostrea. We conclude that Booneostrea cannot be applied in a taxonomically consistent and meaningful way and should be treated as a nomen dubium. By resolving this long-standing confusion and documenting an endemic Gulf lineage, this study significantly contributes to stabilising generic concepts in Ostreinae and demonstrates the power of integrating molecular and morphological evidence in oyster systematics. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:ECDB3E11-0C17-4EE9-A253-36EC59B28DD8.
We present the most comprehensive revision to date of the Neotropical false dragon millipede tribe Cornalatini Verhoeff, 1941. We (1) test the monophyly of Cornalatini through a morphology-based cladistic analysis; (2) conduct the first molecular study to extensively sample Chelodesmidae across multiple taxa and gene regions in a phylogenetic context; and (3) revise the taxonomy of the tribe. Our morphology-based phylogenetic analysis, in which 56 morphological characters were scored across 11 ingroup and 9 outgroup terminals, recovered 6 synapomorphies supporting the monophyly of the tribe and providing the basis for a revised classification of the group. In addition, we provide the first molecular analysis of Chelodesmidae, based on the nuclear EF1α gene, including six ingroup and four outgroup species, and discuss implications for future phylogenetic studies of the family. Based on our results, we include within Cornalatini the genera Cornalatus Attems, 1931, Leodesmus Mauriès & Geoffroy, 2000, Obiricodesmus Schubart, 1955, Pseudoleptodesmus Brölemann, 1902, and the newly proposed genera Monidracodesmusgen. nov. and Pseudodracodesmusgen. nov. We also describe three new species for the tribe, Leodesmus acutussp. nov. and Leodesmus alambarisp. nov. from limestone caves in São Paulo state, Brazil, and Monidracodesmus maysp. nov. from forested habitats in Bahia state, Brazil. We recognize Cornalatus tabulus Hoffman, 1990 as a junior synonym of Cornalatus permutatus (Attems, 1938), and Obiricodesmus terrigena (Attems, 1943) and Obiricodesmus brasiliae (Brölemann, 1902) as junior synonyms of Obiricodesmus rosascens (Brandt, 1839). Our study clarifies the taxonomy of Cornalatini and provides a solid framework for future studies of Chelodesmidae. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1D7C09AC-DA1D-4453-BA5D-5F2A28501FD5.
Reports of cryptic species have increased in recent decades, driven by advances in molecular studies and accessibility of DNA sequencing, resulting in integrative taxonomy as the standard for species description. This is especially evident in environments where sampling is difficult, such as the deep-sea. Specimens belonging to the subfamily Gymnonereidinae were collected from various deep-water habitats in Brazil. Initial morphological analysis divided them into two morphotypes belonging to the genera Micronereides and Ceratocephale. However, species delimitation using the COI genetic marker revealed the presence of seven distinct species, suggesting the existence of cryptic species complexes within each morphotype, where species are morphologically indistinguishable. Three species recovered in the analyses belong to the genus Micronereides and are morphologically indistinguishable from the type species Micronereides capensis, previously reported in Brazilian deep waters. The lack of molecular data on the type M. capensis hampers the description of these new species. We, therefore, suggest the existence of the Micronereides capensis cryptic complex. Similarly, the Ceratocephale cryptica cryptic complex encompasses the remaining four species identified in this study. Among them, only Ceratocephale cryptica sp. nov. is formally described here. This study provides strong support for the validity of the genus Micronereides, which was questioned in previous studies. Cryptic speciation processes are further discussed, comparing evolutionary divergence rates of the different genetic markers used for phylogenetic inference. These results highlight the challenges of deep-sea species delimitation, calling for revised biodiversity assessments and more complete genetic databases, especially including type species sequences, and at the same time reinforcing the critical role of integrative taxonomy in revealing cryptic diversity. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8FFA8C17-DFF5-44D3-B343-ABD8E45C62CD.
Symbiotic relationships are ubiquitous across nature and play key roles in the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem function. The Myzostomida are an enigmatic clade of marine annelids that live as obligate symbionts on or inside their predominantly echinoderm hosts. Species of myzostomid have diverse morphologies and lifestyles, ranging from cyst and gall forming, to parasitic host eating, and free-living ectocommensalism. Largely described from shallow tropical waters, there is currently limited information on myzostomids from the deep sea. Here we describe, using integrated morphological and molecular data, the first genus and two species of myzostomid from the abyssal seafloor, found living ectocommensally on porcellanasterid starfish from 3490 to 4362 m deep in the central and North Pacific Ocean. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using both nuclear (18S rRNA, H3) and mitochondrial (COI, 16S rRNA) markers recovered Myrmekimyzostomum gen. nov. as monophyletic, and the sole commensal genus in a clade of parasitic species associated with asteroids and ophiuroids. Trait-mapping across the phylogeny suggests the ancestral myzostomid form likely lived ectocommensally on stalked crinoids, with parasitism emerging multiple times in their evolutionary history. These new taxa underline the substantial ecological and evolutionary novelty that can be found in the deep sea.Zoobank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:332B8B95-F390-4D9F-B1FE-E9E4D433E24C
Taxonomic decisions are critically dependent on the reliability of the analysed characters. However, when character conflicts arise, such as discrepancies between shell morphology and molecular data, relying solely on prior assumptions about the systematic significance of characters and taxa can lead to erroneous conclusions. This is because inductive reasoning, unlike deduction, produces probabilistic rather than definitive conclusions. The uncertainty inherent in induction stems from the incompleteness of our observations; thus, using a partial or selective dataset increases the likelihood of error. To address this issue, we conducted a case study using the genus Cathaica. First, we reconstructed molecular phylogenies based on all available published datasets. Next, we performed discrete and continuous character optimisations to identify apomorphic characters. Finally, we explored the correlation between molecular distances and shell morphological distances. Our character optimisation revealed that shell characters are highly variable and often discordant with molecular data, whereas discrete genital characters exhibit stronger congruence with phylogenetic relationships. Notably, molecular distances were not significantly correlated with shell landmark Euclidean distances, underscoring the mismatch between genetic and shell-based evidence. Based on these findings, we propose that C. zhangcunxiangi, C. wangjiaxunae and C. sculptilis are synonyms of C. fasciola, and C. mengi is a synonym of C. pyrrhozona. This study emphasises that relying solely on partial datasets or untested characters, without considering the probabilistic nature of non-deductive inference, can lead to misleading taxonomic interpretations.
This paper updates the systematics of Aeolidiidae (Heterobranchia, Nudibranchia), with special emphasis on the genus Aeolidiella Bergh, 1867. Up to now, Aeolidiella was composed of five valid species: A. alderi, A. glauca, A. rubra, A. sanguinea from the Mediterranean Sea and the Eastern Atlantic and A. drusillacomb. nov. from the Pacific Ocean. To clarify the systematics of this genus we present an integrative approach based on molecular and morphological data, literature review, species delimitation approaches, and haplotype network analysis. Aeolidiella glauca was recognized as a species complex resulting in the description of Aeolidiella avatarsp. nov., whereas the nominal name A. rubra is considered nomem dubium. The species Aeolidiella drusillacomb. nov. is ascribed to the new genus Novaeolidiellagen. nov. together with the new species Novaeolidiella janaesp. nov. from the Philippines. This restricts the genus Aeolidiella to the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:2A14F139-675B-4079-B908-B5EBA20F36E3.
Lebbeus White, 1847 is the most diverse and widespread genus in the caridean family Thoridae Kingsley, 1879. Species of the genus have adapted to various habitats, inhabiting from shallow to deep water (>3000 m), low latitudinal to polar regions, and with free-living to symbiotic lifestyles. In spite of recent studies, the phylogenetic position of Lebbeus within Thoridae and its internal phylogenetic relationships remain to be explored. In this study, three new species of Lebbeus recently collected from deep water in the Philippine Sea are described using an integrative taxonomic approach. The new species are formally named Lebbeus chunshengisp. nov., Lebbeus lizheisp. nov., and Lebbeus xinzhengisp. nov. herein. The molecular phylogenetic analyses led the authors to revise the internal grouping of Lebbeus, which has long been relied on the development of the pereopodal epipods. It has been clarified that characters derived from the rostrum and carapace better reflect the phylogeny, and this finding prompted us to propose four informal species groups within Lebbeus. Additionally, we tentatively uncovered the phylogenetic position of Lebbeus by reconstructing a backbone phylogeny of Thoridae based on genome-skimming sequencing data. Our phylogeny supports the recent divergence of Lebbeus and its sister-group relationship with Spirontocaris Spence Bate, 1888. However, more extensive taxon sampling is needed to elucidate the monophyly of each thorid genus. This work provides critical baseline data for the conservation and restoration of habitats in the region, and advances our understanding of the diversity of sponge-associated shrimps in deep-sea ecosystems of the Western Pacific. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F6B8185D-CCD5-45AE-850E-24A40B0B20AD.
Kanaky | New Caledonia is an exceptional biodiversity hotspot, home to a vast number of endemic lineages including many invertebrate groups. We investigate a relatively understudied radiation of Zalmoxidae (Arachnida, Opiliones) in Kanaky, with the aim of determining whether the rich diversity stemmed from a single or multiple colonization event(s). To do so we assembled the first genomic-scale dataset of this family, with particular focus on the Kanaky lineages, using ultra-conserved element (UCE) sequencing techniques. We find evidence for monophyly of the Kanaky zalmoxids, suggesting that there was a single colonization of the archipelago from neighboring lineages in the South Pacific. We further document explosive evolution of Zalmoxis on the archipelago, comparing it with prior taxonomic work on the family and finding a plethora of novel forms. There is a clear need for greater sampling and systematic study of this highly diverse clade of archipelagic harvesters.
The genus Rhytisma Alderslade, 2000 (Octocorallia: Malacalcyonacea: Lemnaliidae), formerly comprising four nominal species (R. fulvum, R. fuscum, R. monticulum and R. rubiginosum), is revised using an integrative approach. We combine morphological and phylogenomic data for newly collected and historical specimens. A neotype is designated for R. fulvum and a lectotype for R. fuscum to stabilise the application of these names. Six new species are described from the Indo-Pacific: R. acoronatum sp. nov., R. calyaceum sp. nov., R. oblongum sp. nov., R. inaequale sp. nov., R. karibu sp. nov. and R. sperkolae sp. nov. Species delimitation is supported by discrete combinations of morphological characters - particularly those of the tentacle and polyp sclerites - as well as multi-locus DNA barcoding and phylogenomic analyses of conserved elements (UCE and exon loci). Our findings highlight the diagnostic value of tentacle sclerites and reveal extensive species-level diversity that was previously obscured by insufficient morphological examination. The revised genus currently comprises 10 valid species, many of which display restricted geographic distributions, reflecting patterns of regional endemism in Indo-Pacific octocoral assemblages. These results underscore the importance of integrative taxonomy in uncovering hidden biodiversity. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3CFB17F3-F571-4B5E-9B83-93FFB0B915B3.
During the present study species boundaries we examined in the freshwater crab species complex (comprising Potamonautes clarus Gouws, Stewart & Coke, 2000 and P. depressus Krauss, 1843). DNA sequence data from three mitochondrial loci and one nuclear locus were used for additional specimens sampled along the Drakensberg Mountains, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Phylogenetic analyses using Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood platforms incorporating additional sample localities using a total evidence DNA sequence dataset revealed the presence of a monophyletic Drakensberg Mountain group comprised of four main clades. Clade A comprised specimens from Impendle, Karkloof Nature Reserve, Injisuthi and Dargle Forest sister to clade B. The latter clade comprised specimens from Ngome Forest sister to P. clarus (from Oliviershoek Pass, and Gudu Falls) sister to Paardeplaats Nature Reserve. Clade (B) was sister to P. baziya Daniels, Marais, Barnes & Gouws, 2021 (clade C) that was sister to the remainder of clade D that comprised specimens from Himeville, Bushmans Nek, Rougham, Vergelegen Nature Reserve, Coleford Nature Reserve, Sani Pass and Garden Castle Nature Reserve. Clade A was collected closest to the type locality in the near eastern Drakensberg Mountains and is here designated P. depressus s.s., whereas specimens from Ngome Forest and Paardeplaats Nature Reserve are designated as P. ngomiensis sp. nov. and P. paardeplaatsie sp. nov. respectively, whereas the clade from the southern Drakensberg Mountains (clade D) is here designated as P. drakensbergie sp. nov. and sister to P. baziya. Divergence time estimation revealed Pliocene-Pleistocene cladogenesis. Climatic ameliorations are recognised as the main driver of speciation in the species complex. The three new potamonautid freshwater crab species are herein described and a neotype is designated for P. depressus s.s. to stabilise the taxonomy of the species. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:954D6BEA-075F-4DAA-8D27-CCBEAC459FE3.
The taxonomy of soft corals with a stoloniferous growth form is challenging. The family Clavulariidae and, more specifically, the genus Clavularia have acted as a repository for most stoloniferous corals that could not systematically be differentiated with morphology. In addition, the lack of morphological and genetic data for the type species of Clavularia, Clavularia viridis, has made a revision of the genus impossible. In this study, we use an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological examinations and novel molecular methods to revise the taxonomy and systematics of Clavulariidae within Octocorallia. We re-describe key species of Clavularia, including C. viridis, C. inflata and C. koellikeri, resolve the position of Clavulariidae within Octocorallia, and present a revised taxonomy of the tropical, zooxanthellate species of Clavularia that includes morphological characters of each species. We further confirm the polyphyly of Clavulariidae, and resurrect the genus Hicksonia and family Hicksoniidae (Malacalcyonacea) to accommodate a new species with connecting tubes on multiple levels (H. tohrui sp. nov.). We also describe a new genus and species of Clavulariidae from Japan Bairdium iriomotejimaensis gen. nov., sp. nov. and a new Clavularia species from the Great Barrier Reef (C. brunafolia sp. nov.). This study resolves the fundamental taxonomy of Clavularia, and provides the necessary baseline for future works. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:61754CF6-A3C9-4D1C-AC6F-4435C12BD4AD.
The terrestrial biota of modern Australia is a highly diverse mix of taxa exhibiting an array of adaptations to a range of habitats across three major biomes. With the vast majority of Australia now covered by dry, fire-tolerant vegetation communities that have evolved since the Eocene, Australia can be considered an arid continent, with xeric habitats of varying degrees of aridity dominating the Arid Zone, Mesic Zone and Monsoon Tropics biomes. Molecular phylogenetic studies exploring the evolutionary and biogeographic histories of Australian arid-adapted lineages cover a wide spectrum of animal and plant taxa, and have together highlighted the important role evolutionary adaptive radiations have played since the Miocene in shaping the composition and distributions of lineages. In this study, we apply a taxon-rich, multi-locus molecular dataset (of 252 specimens), to infer a continent-scale phylogeny of the Australian endemic trapdoor spider genus Idiosoma Ausserer, 1871 (Idiopidae). This mega-diverse lineage of mygalomorph spiders is notable for being found across most of continental mainland Australia in both the Arid Zone and Mesic Zone biomes, in predominantly transitional and arid habitats to the exclusion of ever-wet mesic refugia. Idiosoma is further notable in the sheer variety of different burrow entrance morphologies constructed by species in different parts of Australia, with a suite of taxa known to construct burrows with an unusual and conspicuous addition of leaves or twigs (i.e. 'twig-lines') fanning out from the burrow entrance. This twig-lining behaviour has been postulated to be an adaptive shift associated with higher aridity environments. With the aim of characterising the Idiosoma adaptive radiation, including potential phenotypic adaptive shifts, we revealed a genus with at least 120 putative species in our molecular dataset, and a total Australian fauna that likely exceeds 200 species. Phylogenetic structure within the genus showed remarkably strong geographic fidelity at all levels, indicating an evolutionary history that has been heavily influenced by biogeographic factors. Ancestral range reconstruction recovered a temperate south-western or arid origin for crown-group Idiosoma, with divergence dating showing that the major diversification of lineages occurred from c.10-4 Ma. Combined, these results support a Mio-Pliocene model of Idiosoma speciation across continental Australia, at a time when the country was undergoing extensive aridification. Finally, results of a maximum likelihood analysis using continuous-time Markov models were consistent with a model of parallel evolution of twig-lining burrowing behaviours in Idiosoma, driven by discrete adaptive shifts in biomes with contrasting levels of aridity. This is the first study to have quantified phenotypic adaptive shifts in a continental radiation of invertebrate animals across arid Australia, providing further evidence of the importance of climate-driven biotic change during the Miocene and Pliocene in shaping the distribution and composition of the Australian Arid Zone biota.
Recent phylogenomic studies have indicated that Aphanipathidae is not monophyletic, necessitating a reassessment of familial boundaries and generic placement within Antipatharia. Here, we aim to revise Aphanipathidae using an integrated phylogenomic and morphological framework. A new family of black corals, Pteridopathidae fam. nov. (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Antipatharia), is established for five genera (Pteridopathes, Elatopathes, Tetrapathes, Distichopathes and Asteriopathes) formerly referred to the family Aphanipathidae. The new family is recognized based on ultraconserved-element molecular data, forming a monophyletic group sister to Stylopathidae + Myriopathidae, with the remaining examined Aphanipathidae species forming four distinct lineages, two within Antipathidae, one sister group to Antipathidae and one sister group to all families excluding Leiopathidae. Morphologically, all species in the new family are pinnulate, have tubercles on the surface of their spines, and polypar spines are subequal or anisomorphic (unequal heights around locations where polyps occur), which together are unlike all nominal families in the order. Prior to this taxonomic revision, Aphanipathidae was the only family that included both pinnulate and not-pinnulate species. In this revision, the new family gathers all the pinnulate genera formerly referred to Aphanipathidae; and we emend the Aphanipathidae diagnosis to include species that are strictly not-pinnulate. This revision helps resolve the paraphyletic relationship of Aphanipathidae with respect to other antipatharian families, and provides a phylogenetically informed framework for future revisions.ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:B4CBFA3B-C2E0-4B5A-BB67-730D628616F4
Among the six bee families recorded from the African continent, Melittidae is a species-poor group that includes the pantaloon bees of the genus Dasypoda Latreille. Using an integrative approach combining morphological examination and phylogenomic analysis based on ultraconserved elements (UCEs), we describe and diagnose a new species, D. (Heterodasypoda) rosaella Ghisbain & Wood, sp. nov., from Morocco and Tunisia. This species has been historically misidentified as the European species D. (Heterodasypoda) albimana Pérez, 1905. We designate a sequenced neotype for the closely related D. albimana from southern France, facilitating comparisons with D. (Heterodasypoda) rosaellasp. nov. and D. (Heterodasypoda) michezi Radchenko, 2017. To further clarify the taxonomy of the genus, we confirm that D. (Heterodasypoda) bolivari Quilis is a junior synonym of D. (Heterodasypoda) albimana, and retain D. (Dasypoda) panzeri Spinola, 1838 as a junior synonym of D. (Dasypoda) hirtipes (Fabricius, 1793), although issues with the lectotype designation obscure the terra typica, excluding this species from Egypt's fauna. We finally present an updated checklist and key of African Dasypoda, comprising 13 species, including 6 endemics. Our findings refine our understanding of African Dasypoda diversity and underscore the need for integrative taxonomic approaches in resolving cryptic species complexes. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:AF50AD0A-A8A5-485A-A988-A4C39C0124BB.
Ooperipatellus Ruhberg, 1985 is a genus of egg-laying Onychophoran (velvet worm) known from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. To date, velvet worm systematics and taxonomy has largely used either morphological, single locus molecular data or a combination of the two. Here, focusing on the Australian Ooperipatellus, we generate a large dataset via hybrid target enrichment of ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and for the first time in Onychophora, demonstrate the utility of such data for delimiting species. Through applying machine learning-based approaches to our UCE data, we uncover several cryptic species on Lutruwita (Tasmania). This work provides an overview of Australian Ooperipatellus diversity, species distributions and their taxonomic history. As a result of our analyses, we provide descriptions for three new species, Ooperipatellus mathinnae Lord & Giribet, sp. nov., Ooperipatellus notus Lord & Giribet, sp. nov. and Ooperipatellus cynocephalus Lord & Giribet, sp. nov., and evidence for synonymizing two currently described species: Ooperipatellus nickmayeri de Sena Oliveira & Mayer, 2017 is here considered a junior synonym of Ooperipatellus spenceri (Cockerell, 1913b), syn. nov. The apparent overlapping geographic distributions of Tasmanian species uncovered in this study do not support the assumption that all velvet worms are typically point endemics with discrete distributions as suggested for species in several other regions of the world. These results suggest that the Tasmanian biota merits greater examination to discern if similar biogeographic patterns are also seen in other taxa on this island, or if this pattern is unique to this group. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:AF65F7A6-1E06-4810-BFD5-48D9E06F7232.
Since the Eocene the Australian continent has experienced a long history of climatic and biotic change, resulting in evolutionary diversification among numerous old endemic lineages. Spiny trapdoor spiders of the family Idiopidae are one such group, with previous evidence for three independent incursions into the Australian arid zone from temperate mesic ancestors, leading to subsequent range expansion and diversification in those lineages. One of these arid zone incursions occurred in the genus Blakistonia Hogg, 1902, which ranges widely across much of southern, central and temperate mainland Australia. In this study, we undertake a phylogenetic analysis of Blakistonia to elucidate the interrelationships among species and the timing of diversification across Australia. We employ a broader sampling of taxa relative to previous studies, and a seven-gene molecular dataset to generate the largest multi-locus phylogeny of the genus to date, thus building upon previous revisionary works and continent-wide biogeographic studies of other mygalomorph spider genera. We recover three major clades within Blakistonia, one monotypic clade restricted to the temperate mesic zone, and two diverse clades widely distributed through transitional and arid regions of southern Australia. Diversification of arid-adapted clades commenced in the late Miocene, commensurate with the climatic expansion of the arid zone during the Miocene and Plio-Pleistocene.
